This issue comes under the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have been approached by a number of farmers and the IFA regarding the urgent need to release the 50% of GLAS payments due to farmers. Sheep welfare payments also need to be issued urgently. Separately, there is concern regarding the extension of electronic identification to all sheep. These issues have been highlighted in every constituency and, particularly in my own area, because of the lack of funding. It is vitally important that the payments be made immediately.

I would like to make a suggestion on the sheep tagging issue. In fairness to the Minister, he met Opposition spokespersons about electronic tagging last year and he suggested that something might be coming in. Most people agreed it would be good for the sheep industry. However, we expected that it would be introduced under the sheep welfare scheme and that it would be announced in the budget last October with an increased payment under the scheme. Farmers would have welcomed that but having to do without any payment is a little too much.

The Minister has been speaking to Opposition spokespersons and to our own Deputies in respect of the tagging and, therefore, I will leave that to him. However, I recognise the difficulties the farming community has had. This has been one of the worst winters and springs that I can remember and the Minister is working hard to ensure that all payments due are released without delay. A significant effort is being made in his Department to make sure that that will be the case.